ROB CASKIE


Rob was born and raised in Natal and studied Agriculture at University in Pietermaritzburg. After University he worked in Botswana as a photographic safari guide, and assisted with wildlife documentaries in the Okavango Delta.

After 3 years in Botswana, Rob was a member of the Afrika Odyssey Expedition led by Kingsley Holgate, traversing Africa from Cape Town to Cairo in 1993. Rob was the official photographer on this expedition. After this remarkable trip along the waterways of Africa, he travelled and backpacked extensively abroad for 4 years.

Rob grew up speaking English and Zulu and served with Zulu troops during his National Service. Always interested in Zulu history, he joined David and Nicky Rattray at Fugitives’ Drift in April 2001. Having understudied David Rattray, his mentor and great friend, for 6 years, Rob is now the principal lecturer at Fugitives’ Drift. Reconciliation forms a central theme in these lectures, along with many important lessons that can be leant from the dramas of the Zulu War (1879).

Rob has lectured extensively in the UK and South Africa. He strives to present accounts in a balanced fashion with great passion and enthusiasm. His flagship lectures concern Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, but presentations are often expanded to include lessons on discipline, leadership, passion, humanity, uses of resources amongst others.

Rob is a keen photographer and was intimately involved in the photography and field research required in producing David Rattray’s marvellous book “A Soldier-Artist in Zululand”.

Confident with people, he loves the challenge and reward of entertaining audiences in the theatres of their imaginations, and transporting them via the power of a story well told.

Rob lives with Karen at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge.